As a cornerstone of its digital transformation strategy, Defense Logistics Agency Distribution is entering the final stages of a multi-year, enterprisewide Warehouse Management System implementation effort to modernize warehousing operations.
Over the past five years, DLA Distribution has successfully replaced its legacy system with a more modern software system in a collaborative, end-to-end effort. Beginning with a pilot in Corpus Christi, Texas, in June 2018, the project expanded across Army, Navy and Marine Corps support sites, with each implementation providing valuable lessons for future rollouts. Today, WMS is operational at 21 of 24 DLA Distribution locations, including major hubs in Susquehanna, Pennsylvania; San Joaquin, California; and overseas in Europe and South Korea.
The transition to WMS is a component of DLA's broader modernization goals designed to take advantage of industry best practices, enhance auditability, and streamline processes. This modernization directly supports the agency's response to the challenges of modern contested logistics. As noted in a recent DLA paper on the topic, the current landscape is far more complex than in the past, with adversaries aiming to disrupt and degrade U.S. logistical capabilities.
From ‘just-in-time’ to ‘just enough’: WMS transforms DLA's logistics strategy
WMS moves DLA Distribution to a single software platform, aligning it with the DLA Enterprise Business System to streamline processes and reduce complexities to create a unified digital ecosystem. This transition moves DLA beyond siloed, legacy platforms into an interconnected environment, enabling a level of data sharing and operational cooperation that was previously unattainable, said Army Brig. Gen. Kevin Cotman, DLA Distribution commander. This digital leap forward is foundational to building a more agile and responsive logistics network.
In line with DLA goals, WMS will provide real-time data and predictive analytics necessary to accurately forecast warfighter needs, shifting from an outdated "just-in-time" model to a more flexible "just enough" approach that prioritizes operational adaptability, Cotman added.
"This marks a significant step forward in modernizing our distribution network and enhancing our ability to rapidly and accurately support the warfighter,” Cotman said during the go-live event at DLA Distribution Susquehanna. “The transition to Warehouse Management System … demonstrates the dedication and resilience of our workforce, and I'm incredibly proud of the teamwork displayed in preparing us for this change.”
A collaborative, agencywide effort at DLA Distribution Susquehanna
WMS implementation throughout DLA Distribution relied heavily on teamwork and collaboration throughout the organization. One of the new initiatives to support implementation was the creation of the WMS Task Force, a 275-member group representing various DLA components and providing round-the-clock support to address challenges and ensure smooth operations. Beginning in early 2025, the task force developed comprehensive preparation efforts, including on-site engagements, working groups and training exercises.
“The value has been decisive," said Army Maj. James Marley, commander of the’WMS Task Force. "Because the site made physical, procedural and staffing adjustments in advance, the rollout began from a position of stability rather than reaction. WMS coaches, IT support staff members, and process experts are integrated daily with the workforce, reinforcing correct behaviors, troubleshooting in real time, and accelerating the learning curve."
Jim Hooper, deputy commander of DLA Distribution’s Susquehanna facility, hailed the strong teamwork throughout the entire process.
"I am very impressed with the team effort. We knew coming into go-live that WMS would require significant system changes or upgrades, and that we’d encounter problems as our processes are different than other depots in terms of scale and scope,” Hooper said. “The entire DLA team, including DLA Information Operations, DLA Distribution Network Process Management Directorate, DLA Weapons Support, the WMS Task Force; and our contractor partners, trainers and coaches from around the Distribution network have really come together to ‘swarm’ and fix problems or develop workarounds to ensure our customers are supported."
Modernization across the Pacific: DLA Distribution Korea
DLA Distribution Korea successfully launched the new WMS in late summer 2025, a step in modernizing logistics for U.S. Forces Korea and the broader Pacific theater. Within 48 hours, the site was scheduling and processing shipments, demonstrating immediate system stability.
The transition was the result of months of planning, which included sending "power users" to other sites like DLA Distribution Anniston, Alabama, and DLA Distribution Yokosuka, Japan, for hands-on training and knowledge transfer. This strategy produced training plans and fostered a culture of digital fluency. The resulting instructional videos helped overcome language barriers to ensure U.S. employees and local-national Korean staff members could effectively use the new system. This demonstrated a commitment to building data acumen across a multifaceted workforce.
Strengthening European logistics: DLA Distribution Europe
In July 2025, DLA Distribution Europe, located in Germersheim, Germany, went live with WMS, enhancing its ability to support warfighters across Europe, Africa and the Middle East. The launch followed a meticulous four-month preparation period, which included sending key leaders to observe the go-live at DLA Distribution San Joaquin, California. Given the complexity of shipping to customers across three combatant commands, the team faced challenges with transportation logistics but was able to approach normal daily outbound shipping volume shortly after the transition.
Implementation enters final stages with efforts at Air Logistics Centers and the Richmond site
The final phase of the WMS rollout will focus on the complex environments of the DLA Distribution Air Logistics Centers and DLA Distribution Richmond, Virginia. In February, DLA Distribution Warner Robins, Georgia, became the first ALC to implement the system, with anticipated fielding at DLA Distribution Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, in May, and DLA Distribution Hill, Utah, in July. A non-ALC site, DLA Richmond, Virginia, will implement WMS in April.
The future of WMS: Fostering digital advancement and data acumen
The DLA Distribution WMS journey doesn’t end with the final implementation at DLA Distribution Hill, Utah — it evolves. The fielding process is designed for continuous improvement, with retrofits planned for deployment to sites as needed. This ongoing effort allows DLA to address emergent requirements and resolve complex issues that could not be tackled during the initial implementation phase. This iterative approach ensures that WMS remains a dynamic and responsive tool, continuously adapting to the evolving needs of the warfighter and the contested logistics environment.
WMS is expected to enhance DLA’s support for global warfighters by providing powerful data-driven capabilities. WMS provides real-time visibility and traceability of inventory, allowing for more accurate tracking of the quantities and locations needed for operational efficiency and financial accountability.
The system also serves as an engine for insight. By investing in comprehensive training, DLA is cultivating a culture of data acumen, empowering the workforce to transition from executing transactions to analyzing trends. This data visualization enables logisticians to interpret real-time data, anticipate disruptions, and optimize warehouse performance with evidence-based decisions. The system’s advanced analytics and machine learning capabilities will enable smarter demand planning and resource allocation.
This modernization effort is not just a technological upgrade, it represents a fundamental shift in DLA’s operational philosophy, embedding digital advancement and data acumen into the core of its mission, Cotman said. By transforming the technological backbone and empowering the workforce with data-driven insights, DLA ensures that logistical support is not just efficient, but strategically superior, providing a decisive edge to the warfighter.